See ‘Unofficial Galaxies’ in Columbus

A galaxy far, far away will soon feel much closer thanks to Columbus’ Center of Science and Industry’s new exhibit “Unofficial Galaxies.” So close, in fact, that you can reach out and touch a life-size speeder bike like the ones Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia rode as they darted around trees on the forest moon of Endor in “Return of the Jedi.” 

“You can get on the speeder bike and, if it’s not’s too crowded, press the throttle and see the scene change [on a projector screen] behind you,” says Josh Sarver, vice president of experiences and operations at COSI. 

“Unofficial Galaxies,” which runs May 10 through Sept. 1, includes movie props, costumes and other items from an anonymous collector’s private stash. The 10,000-square-foot exhibit includes items that span each era of the franchise, such as Anakin Skywalker’s workshop desk and chair from “The Phantom Menace,” a Han Solo in carbonite prop, Darth Vader, Boba Fett and Stormtrooper costumes and dozens of vintage toys. 

In typical COSI fashion, the science center added its own bit of magic, creating life-size renditions of an X-Wing Starfighter, Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter, the speeder bike and more. COSI is also offering staffers and local artists a chance to show off their own Star Wars collections, including some custom-made items that tap into the cultural impact of the franchise. Sarver’s personal Star Wars collection includes a stormtrooper helmet, a print of R2D2 and C-3PO created by a Columbus artist and many unopened vintage toys, some of which will be on display in the exhibit. 

“We want to make sure that people feel that this exhibition isn’t just about the props or the costumes,” he says. “It’s about all the things that make Star Wars what it is — an element of our culture.” 333 W. Broad St., Columbus 43215, 614/228-2674, cosi.org

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